U.S. Hot Stocks: Hot Stocks to Watch

Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Thursday's session are:

Family Dollar Stores Inc. (FDO) rejected a $9 billion, all-cash takeover offer from Dollar General Corp. (DG), pointing to antitrust concerns and reaffirming its support for its deal with smaller rival Dollar Tree Inc. (DLTR). Family Dollar shares fell slightly to $79.65 in recent premarket trading, still above Dollar General's offer of $78.50, indicating investors expect the fight to drag on.

Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD), the struggling store operator that was once a prominent fixture of the U.S. retail landscape, indicated more cost cuts and changes are on the way as it posted a $573 million quarterly loss amid declining revenue and margins.

Apogee Enterprises Inc. (APOG) said it expects to record a $6 million tax credit in its fiscal second quarter, as the window systems manufacturer benefited from the startup of a new architectural glass coater this month.

Activist investor Carl Icahn on Wednesday disclosed an 8.5% stake in Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (HTZ) and said he may seek board representation.

Stronger computer sales helped Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) book a surprise increase in revenue for its fiscal third quarter, following 11 straight periods of declines.

Infineon Technologies AG agreed to buy International Rectifier Corp. (IRF) for about $3 billion, a deal uniting mature semiconductor makers that points to quickening consolidation in the sector.

Kindred Biosciences Inc.'s (KIN) said a field study of its pain treatment for osteoarthritis in dogs failed to meet its primary endpoint.

Synopsys Inc.'s (SNPS) fiscal third-quarter profit rose 26%, as higher revenue that more than offset an increase in operating expenses.

United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) said Wednesday that a data breach at 51 of its UPS Stores may have compromised data on approximately 105,000 customer transactions between January and August.

Write to Maria Armental at [e-mail]

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